The Girl on Taps
Hi, I’m Melissa! I’m the owner and operator of The Gather Rig, and I’m stoked you’re here. I'm born and raised in San Diego and I'm probably a typical prototype for the region tbh. I love the beach, surfing, hiking, yoga, pickleball, travel, nature, and hanging with family and friends. I'm a certified Yoga Teacher, Personal Trainer, and Nutrition Coach, I read about 20 books a year, and I’ve been to 16+ countries. I like to describe myself as sunshine in human form, creative, fun-loving, hilarious (still counts even if I'm the only one lol-ing), and thoughtful. I love hosting parties, cooking for people I love, and connecting on a soul level.
Heart Lead
I’ve been a Bartender, Restaurant Manager, Project Manager, and a User Experience Designer. So why this and why now? Because this is my one precious life and I want to take chances, I want spend my creative energy on my unique vision, I want to do what I love and love what I do. And because I knew I’d regret it if I never tried, because owning my own business is something I’ve dreamt about for a long time. The idea took shape when I studied abroad in Australia in 2008, where I fell in love with youth hostels and solo travel. I thought that if I owned a hostel, I could facilitate the magic they create - strangers becoming life long friends, spontaneous adventures, late-night deep and meaningful conversations, people from different walks of life gathering in one place making memories. The dream of hosting those transformative experiences has evolved, but the heart of my desires hasn't changed. With The Gather Rig, your inspired vision and loving tribe, and a heavy pour of good vibes, we can create those once in a lifetime memories together. They are worth creating and their value only compounds more with time.
Surrendering
In early 2026 I was working on a Friday morning, half listening to Mainstreet Millionaire, a 3 day virtual entrepreneurship webinar, and reading a reply from a girl on FB Marketplace who I had messaged just the day before about her teardrop camper trailer mobile bar. Why was I inquiring? I have no idea. The business concept looked fun and intriguing, but I was not looking to spend thousands dollars on a mobile bar. Then I got a call from my boss and Barbara from HR. Dun dunnnn - Company wide layoffs were hitting and I was getting the chop. It stung, we hung up, I went back into the zoom into the 500+ person chat and announced I had just been laid off. I was expecting sympathy, condolences, a small riot perhaps, but that is not what I got. "ITS A SIGN! NOW’S YOUR CHANCE! GO START A BUSINESS!” echoed through the thread. I was in that seminar because I had always wanted to start a business, but it never felt like I the right time. But in that moment, it truly felt like a divine sign. So now I'm a first time entrepreneur and owner of that vintage mobile bar trailer! When the sign is so clear, you should surrender and trust in God, The Universe, tea leaves, whatever - and go with it. So I did and I cant wait to see what the universe has in store.
LETS GATHER